Ghanaian international footballer Kevin-Prince Boateng has officially declared his retirement from the world of professional football.
The 35-year-old, who last wore the jersey of Hertha Berlin, confirmed the news through an Instagram post where he expressed gratitude for his football journey and announced his transition into coaching.
In his emotional Instagram announcement, Boateng wrote,
"I LOVE YOU. But that’s a WRAP for me. Thank you FOOTBALL for everything."
Accompanied by a video reflecting on his illustrious career, the former AC Milan standout bid adieu to the sport that defined his life for many years.
Despite receiving tempting offers from various clubs in Arab countries and the United States, Boateng has chosen to shift his focus toward nurturing future talents through coaching.
His decision to retire comes after a remarkable career that saw him don the jerseys of several esteemed clubs including Fiorentina, Borussia Dortmund, Genoa, Portsmouth, Besiktas, Schalke 04, and FC Barcelona.
Boateng's international career was highlighted by his participation in two FIFA World Cup tournaments.
He played an instrumental role in Ghana's historic run to the quarter-finals in the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa.
One of his unforgettable moments was his goal against the United States in the round of 16, securing a 2-1 victory and propelling Ghana forward.
However, their journey ended in heartbreak with a penalty shootout loss to Uruguay in the quarter-finals.
The footballer also represented Ghana in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where the team struggled to advance, finishing at the bottom of their group.
Boateng's dedication and skills made him a prominent figure on both the international and club stages.